By Aaron Cordy
UNITY was the theme last Saturday night when the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Shepparton hosted an Interfaith Iftar Dinner at the South Shepparton Community Centre. The event brought together representatives from six major religions: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam to discuss the significance of fasting to the different religions.
Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a time when physical food is converted into spiritual food according to Islamic teachings. It is about gratitude to God for all the gifts that sustain a human life from cradle to the grave.
Among the distinguished guests were leaders and representatives from various sectors of our community, including Kim O’Keeffe MP, the State Member for Shepparton, Cr Shane Sali, the mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council, Gurmeet Singh from the Sikh-Gurdwara, Shepparton, Rev. Jerome Francis of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Dr Tejraj Tawde, a Consultant Psychiatrist at GV Health, Orthodox Rabbi Ralph Genende, the Director of Jewish Life in Melbourne, Rev. Chris Parnell, the executive officer of the Shepparton Interfaith Network, along with key figures from local organisations like Search and Rescue Shepparton, the Country Women’s Association of Victoria, Shepparton Police Community Engagement, U3A, and Soroptimist International Shepparton.
“I am filled with gratitude for the support, enthusiasm, and participation of everyone involved. This event was a milestone in our journey towards building a more inclusive and understanding community. Let us continue to cherish these moments and strive for more opportunities to come together in such meaningful ways,” said Aziz Bhatti, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Shepparton.
